Feature Photographer: Heather Telford

by Cheeky LimeApril 15, 2013

As we mentioned, we want to start a bi-monthly segment on our blog. We want this blog and our facebook page to be a place where photographers can come for inspiration and a place where we can give some of the love back that has been shown to us. We decided to feature two photographers each month with a questionnaire and a showcase of some of their work. Today, we have Heather Telford fromHeather Telford Photography. Heather is a Utah County Photographer who stresses being true to yourself and your creative eye.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I love anything outdoors. I am kinda Plain Jane and like almost anything vanilla flavored. I love running, love my kiddos and husband. I without a doubt would not be where I am today with my husband’s love and support. I am deeply passionate about photography and love natural light.

2. What sparked your interest in photography? How old were you?

I was in my first year in college and wanted to be a nurse. I took an elective of Film Photography, bought a Pentax k1000 and fell in LOVE with it. I knew it was what "drove" me in life. :)

3. What are your favorite sessions, subject, or situations to photograph?

I have been loving weddings as of late, but I feel my true passion and favorite is family/child sessions. I think because I relate to it because I had 3 kids in 3 years, so I am a busy mom and LOVE it!

4. Most memorable "on the job" moment?

Most memorable moment was a recent shoot for a family that started a foundation that I have recently met. It was life changing and personal but I drove away from that session crying knowing that doing Photography isn’t by chance for me it’s what makes me who I am.

5. How do you balance your business with your family?

Is there ever a real balance? I feel like i strive everyday to balance everything but I have learned over the years that I put my husband and kids and health first and then It seems like everything else falls in to place. As long and I remember what’s important in life and stay focused I keep a steady balance.

6. What has been your favorite photography related accomplishment?

Being published without paying for it. :) Sounds silly but I have been contacted A LOT to pay for Ad space in magazines and haven't done it yet, and then recently I have been published in 3 different magazines. I love buying the prints to keep as keepsakes for my kids to see my name. :) I feel sorta special for a second looking at it. :)

7. What has been your biggest business blunder or embarrassing moment?

I drove to session once and forgot my camera. Good thing it was 5 min from my house but I could NOT believe I did that!

8. What do you hope people take away from your work?

Memories and real life images that capture emotion. I love seeing families interact in sessions and LOVE the natural feel to my photography.

My passion for photography. Really I stopped looking at others sites and decide to be ME. That’s when my true inspiration comes out.

10. How has photography shaped the way you see the world?

I see beyond the surface of things now, I feel I am always looking deeper for more detail in everything.

And lastly, give us your best photography related tip.

Be YOU. If you’re an inspiring photographer, I would get a film camera and master exposure on film. You will learn to shot in manual and be so much more successful if you start from the basics and learn up. I feel like I finally came into my own when I stopped comparing myself to others work.

Thanks, Heather for helping us kick off this exciting part of our blog. If you are a photographer and would like to be considered, send your information to info@cheekylime.com